EWING – Sustainable Jersey for Schools announced Sept. 5 the 111 schools that achieved the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. Three of those schools, which attained Bronze status, are in Cape May County. They are the Cape May County Special Services School District Ocean Academy and Cape May County High School, and the Ocean City School District’s Ocean City Intermediate School.
The 111 public schools (kindergarten through 12th-grade) come from 37 different school districts, across 14 counties. In four years, 242 schools have achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. A total of 779 schools and 303 school districts are participating in the program overall, according to a release.
“We applaud the schools that have achieved certification this year. Their leadership and hard work will help New Jersey continue to evolve through their advancement of equitable, sustainable and innovative practices,” stated Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “Becoming certified with Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a significant achievement for schools and their school district.” Each school that is certified at the bronze level must submit documentation to show it has completed a balanced portfolio of the program’s sustainability actions, attaining a minimum of 150 points.
Ten schools achieved certification at the more advanced silver level which requires a minimum of 350 points of sustainability actions. The past year has been exceptional. Over 3,048 sustainability actions were completed by schools and districts participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program – from performing energy audits and boosting recycling efforts to integrating sustainability into student learning and promoting student and staff wellness.
“Sustainable schools provide a healthy environment, conserve resources and continually improve the well-being of the community. We are proud of the leadership of the boards of education and their superintendents, as well as the contributions of principals, teachers, education support professionals and parents in this effort,” stated Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, New Jersey School Boards Association executive director. “Congratulations to the 111 schools that achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification in 2018.”
On Oct. 23, the certified schools and their districts will be celebrated at a reception held during NJSBA Workshop 2018 in Atlantic City. Workshop 2018 will feature Sustainable Jersey for Schools sessions along with NJSBA sustainability support programs for schools.